Belgium to join the programme to develop Europe's sixth-generation FCAS fighter

Belgium will be a new participant in the development programme for Europe's sixth-generation fighter jet. This was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Here's What We Know

Last week we wrote about Belgium's desire to join the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project. There has been talk about participation as an observer, i.e. without industry involvement.

Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier has expressed dissatisfaction with Belgium's potential accession to the FCAS project. He cited the fact that Brussels has ordered American fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters as the main reason.

Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Belgium will receive observer status in the FCAS project, but did not specify what this would mean. At the moment, Germany, France and Spain are leading the programme. Interestingly, last year the German government also ordered the F-35 despite its participation in FCAS.

The European sixth-generation fighter is due in 2040. The reason for the delay is that three countries have long been unable to define their roles in the project. Britain, Italy, Japan, the US and China should get their sixth generation fighters five years earlier.

Source: Rai News